It was a day full of frustration for local families with loved ones laid to rest in a now closed mausoleum. American Mausoleum and owner Robert Wilton filed for bankruptcy in March. Today at a creditors' hearing, families were able to question Wilton over the closure. Because the mausoleum is closed, family members can't do anything with their loved ones who are entombed there. Instead, the grass is overgrown and the doors remain locked at the American Mausoleum on Allen Road in Peoria. More than 200 people packed a federal courtroom Wednesday and peppered Wilton about his bankruptcy filing.

Shirley Mallory's husband is entombed at the mausoleum and said, "My emotions have gone through the gamut: anger, frustration. I'm just coming out of grief and this throws me right back." Connie Brun's parents are also there and she said, "It's not about the money. It is about people thinking at this stage of their life, they have a secure place to go. They have their loved one there and they want to be next to their loved one." Many of their questions went unanswered like when they would be able to move the crypts or tombs.

Robert Wilton owned the mausoleum since 1999 under a separate entity that's not legally connected to the funeral home. His attorney, Gary Rafool, says Wilton was losing at least 5-thousand dollars a month. Rafool says, "He (Wilton) has had money put in by him or one of his entities to keep it in operation. That doesn't sound like someone wanting to shelter and get in and out if doesn't work." Rafool says Wilton is very sad about the situation and is talking with a potential buyer. But, Wilton says the building needs about half million dollars in repairs.

In the meantime, the state is trying to find a receiver to take over the mausoleum. That person could then open up a half-million dollar trust to possibly allow families to move their loved ones or even refund some of their money.